Online presentation tools

• http://www.glogster.com/: Like an online scrapbook
• www.vuvox.com Interactive scrollable content, add hotspots. Very cool.
• http://animoto.com/ (Only 30 seconds are free, for photos only)
• http://prezi.com Sign up as a student: http://prezi.com/profile/signup/edu/
• http://voicethread.com/ You need to sign up first, then click create. Only use this if the microphone on your computer works. Has great potential though.
• http://www.xtimeline.com/ Create an online timeline
• http://posterous.com/ So simple, just email images and text to post@posterous.com and it will create a site for you.
• Better than Wordle: http://tagul.com/ ([[@|See example here]])

Creating better PowerPoints

• Select sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica. Avoid serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Palatino as they are sometimes more difficult to read.
• Use no font size smaller than 24 point.
• Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title.
• Use a single sans-serif font for most of the presentation. Use different colors, sizes and styles (bold, underline) for impact.
• Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly.
• No more than 6-8 words per line
• For bullet points, use the 6 x 6 Rule: One thought per line with no more than 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide
• Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background. However, dark backgrounds sometimes make it difficult for some people to read the text.
• Do not use all caps except for titles.
• To test the font, stand back six feet from the monitor and see if you can read the slide.

• Keep the background consistent and subtle.
• Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain clearly label the graphic.
• Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics
• Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.
• Try to use the same style graphics throughout the presentation (e.g. cartoon, photographs)
• Limit the number of graphics on each slide.
• Check all graphics on a projection screen before the actual presentation.
• Avoid flashy graphics and noisy animation effects unless they relate directly to the slide.
• Limit the number of transitions used. It is often better to use only one so the audience knows what to expect.

• Limit the number of colors on a single screen.
• Bright colors make small objects and thin lines stand out. However, some vibrant colors are difficult to read when projected.
• Use no more than four colors on one chart.
• Check all colors on a projection screen before the actual presentation. They may project differently than what appears on the monitor.

• Check the spelling and grammar.
• Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.
• Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points.
• It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.
• Use a wireless mouse or pick up the wired mouse so you can move around as you speak.
• If sound effects are used, wait until the sound has finished to speak.
• If the content is complex, print out the slides so the audience can take notes.
• Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it.
  Adapted from:
  • Bankerd, Kathy. “How to Optimize Projection Technology: Using Fonts, Graphics, and Color to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Presentation”. Syllabus. November/December 1997.
  • Bird, Linda. “Avoid the Mistakes of PowerPoint Rookies.” Smart Computing. January 2001.
  • Brown, David G. “PowerPoint-Induced Sleep.” Syllabus. January 2001.
  • http://www.cheney268.com/training/PowerPoint/PowerPointTips.htm